The second season of the NextGen Series officially launched today, with further information about Chelsea’s involvement revealed.
Earlier this summer, details of the draw were released as Chelsea were placed in Group C alongside last season’s runners-up Ajax, Norwegian outfit Molde, and CSKA Moscow of Russia.
Provisional dates and details have been released today, particularly the details of the away games. Moscow beckons on October 3rd as the Blues face CSKA at the October Stadium, whilst at the end of the month they meet Molde in the club’s first team stadium, Aker Stadion.
At the end of November – the 29th to be exact – the glamour clash of the group takes place as Ajax host Chelsea at their De Toekomst training complex.
Full information on the home slate is yet to be confirmed, although the group opener at home to CSKA will be on August 28th at Cobham. Staines Town’s Wheatsheaf Park is the other nominated home venue.
A provisional 24-man squad has also been named, taking players from as wide an age spectrum as the tournament rules allow.
Goalkeepers
Jamal Blackman
Mitchell Beeney
Ben Killip
Defenders
Nathaniel Chalobah
Todd Kane
Andreas Christensen
Archange Nkumu
Adam Nditi
Jordan Houghton
Nortei Nortey
Samuel Bangura
Fankaty Dabo
Midfielders
Lewis Baker
George Cole
Tom Howard
George Saville
Anjur Osmanovic
Ambrose Gnahore
Forwards
Patrick Bamford
Islam Feruz
Lucas Piazon
Walter Figueira
Ismail Seremba
Reece Mitchell
Many will note the omission of such names as Alex Davey, Nathan Aké, John Swift, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alex Kiwomya and others, but the squad is expected to be flexible and open to change. In any event, should it be fixed, there is plenty of football to go around at youth and reserve level this season and everyone will get their chance to shine.
Look out for further details on the competition in the coming weeks here on TheChels.net and on the official website, www.nextgenseries.com, and also on Twitter @chelseayouth and @nextgenseries.